Churches and other places of worship are often easy targets for the arsonists - they often have poor security arrangements and valuable contents to attract an offender. It is possible that arson may be used as a means of destroying evidence of a crime, or fires may be associated with vagrants who may light fires accidentally or deliberately, possibly whilst under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Until recently, places of worship were often left unlocked during the daytime to allow the public to enter for prayer or contemplation. A survey carried out by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1997 showed that about 75% of such buildings were normally secured to prevent theft, and criminal damage. The survey also showed that almost all places of worship were deficient in fire protection measures. There was also a correlation that as the distance between the place of worship and the urban environment increased, so did the risk of arson attack.

The Arson Prevention Bureau have published a leaflet: ‘Arson:The Major Threat to Places of Worship And How to Prevent It’; the following is adapted from the publication:

• In every church the most important single measure is for a particular individual (rector, priest or minister) to take responsibility for security. Responsibility may be delegated to another: verger, secretary, administrator or a member of the congregation.
• The person responsible needs to carry out their own ‘risk assessment’ to identify ways in which intruders, thieves or vandals could start fires, what the effect would be and how to prevent or reduce the risk. Help is available from the church insurer, fire brigade prevention officer and police crime reduction officer.
• If there have been any small fires or malicious damage to the church or in the locality inform the police immediately. A small fire may be a warning that more serious fires may occur in the future.

The best defence against arson – as well as against theft – is to have an effective security programme. It does not have to be an expensive process.

• Entry – the fewer entrance doors the better, preferably one in common use.
• Restricted entry – It is often the case that when the church is unoccupied the door is locked. Where it is required to keep the church open it is recommended that someone is on the premises. This may be achieved by having a roster of parishioners/members willing to give up some time to act as caretaker. Arrangements have to be made for passing on the key – never hide keys or leave keys on the premises.
• Doors and windows – these should be in good repair and locked when not in use.
• Locks – should be of good quality
• Walls, fences and gates – should be in a good state of repair
• Halls, community centres – these are a favourite target for thieves and vandals. Ensure that doors and windows are securely locked after use, keys returned to the person in charge and that there is a general inspection before the last person leaves.
• Valuables – as far as possible these should be securely locked away.
• Vestry, church office – when not in use this should eb kept locked. These are areas where many arson fires are lit.
• Organ space – another area where arsonuists light fires. If possible keep locked shut.
• Neighbours – if appropriate enlist the help of neighbours in keeping an eye open for suspicious behaviour and in telephoning a warning to the person responsible or the police.
• Sheds/outbuildings –may contain tools which help intruders to break into the church or flammable liquid to help an arsonist start a fire. Keep outbuildings securely locked.

Vandals or thieves (to cover their tracks) will use any ‘fuel’ to hand to light their fires.

• Try to ensure there is no combustible material lying around for an arsonist. This is particularly important where churches are used for recreational and educational purposes and in church halls.
• Don’t let rubbish accumulate – inside or outside the church.
• Wheelie-bins should be kept in their own locked compartment or kept well away from the church.
• Matches, candles, paraffin, petrol and liquefied gas can all be used to start a fire and help it spread. Keep all such materials locked away.

• The person responsible for security should carry out these checks at the end of each day:

- No combustible material left lying around

- Any flammable liquids locked away

- Any valuables locked away

- No unauthorised person left in the church

- Alarms (if any) switched on

- Outside illumination (if any) switched on

Based on perception of the risk, and the ability and willingness of the church authorities to provide the necessary money, thought should be given t installing some or all of the following equipment. Make sure the equipment is ‘approved’ by your insurance company.

• Intruder alarm which will sound an audible warning and which should preferable be linked via a central alarm station to the police.
• Fire extinguishers/hose reels for use by people on the spot (who must be trained in their use)
• Fire detection and alarm system for certain parts of church buildings which, if linked to the fire brigade via a central alarm station, will automatically summon help when the church is unoccupied.
• Security lighting – intruders (including arsonists) like to work in the dark. Security lighting of areas adjacent ot doors or windows can be a deterrent.
• CCTV –Installation of one or more close-circuit television cameras (even if not operative) may well act as a deterrent to intruders.

The Fire Protection Association has published a risk assessment tool that can be used to quantify the risk of arson at places of worship.